Patty Cypher, long-time member of the Ward tribe, moved on to a new dimension on the last full moon of the past decade.
Born Patricia Cypher on 9/27/44 in Detroit, Michigan, she spent most of her early years in the Midwest, and after attending several Michigan universities she completed her studies ABD (all but dissertation) in Communication.
Brother Hank describes her as a ‘rebel without a cause’ who often dragged him along on some of her adventures - isn’t that what you do when you’re babysitting your brother? He loved it, as he loved her. Who wouldn’t like to be with the “life of the party - a leader, a great friend who loved everyone she met and who would do anything for them”?
Yes, Patty had a grand sense of adventure and enjoyment of life. Her curiosity and call to explore would lead her down unknown city side streets or unmarked county roads. Some friends refer to this as ‘doing a Patty’. She was drawn to a variety of experiences: a year in Spain becoming enamored with the Latin culture, a stint at Boyne Mt. as a ski bum, an impromptu extended journey into the wilds of Alaska, immersion into a small Mexican village.
Her travels eventually lead to Ward in the mid 70’s when she came to visit Ivan, her close friend since childhood. He knew her as ‘an independent lady of intelligence with many words and experiences, an outdoor and nature enthusiast who loved horses and dogs.’ She and Ward were a natural fit.
“Ward was the best thing for her, except for her sons Adam and Wade whom she deeply loved,” Hank said. Patty didn’t just live in Ward, she became an integral part of the community. She was a volunteer firefighter with the Indian Peaks Fire Department; she was instrumental in getting funding to save our historical church; she found support for developing an oral history of the town through interviews of senior residents; she served as town clerk; and she became the town historian, sharing photos and details of Ward’s wild mining days and some of the interesting characters that resided here. FYI - did you know Georgia O’Keefe spent a summer in our glorious town and debated whether to make it or Santa Fe her home? Patty did and wrote extensively about it.
As a professional Patty wore many hats. She taught high school literature and communication in both Colorado and Florida and participated in programs focusing on helping ‘at risk’ kids. She was also involved in developing an experiential program for low income youths. Patty and two other Wardites (Barbara and BarbiO) created Summit Human Resources, a non-profit to help teens learn about themselves as they learned to work together in the out of doors.
After putting in many winters in Ward Patty started seeking a relief from the winds in warmer climes. She eventually became a loved and appreciated part-time resident of Lo de Marcos, Mexico, where she participated in festivities and life celebrations, taught English in the school, and drank margaritas with all.
Sons Adam and Wade, brother Hank and his wife Kathy, and their daughter Christina are primary family members now holding on to dear memories of their beloved Patty. There is a larger extended family, created through her non-judgmental acceptance of everyone she met, that is feeling the loss of a friend, a sister, this lovely treasure of a woman. It was an honor to be a part of your life Patty, and a heck of a lot of fun!
You used to say, “Once you’re a part of the tribe you’re always a part of the tribe”. YOU will always be with us, Patty, with love.
(Originally published in the March 26, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.
